Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1887-01-13
WHO GOES THERE :?
NEWPORT NEWS IN POSSESSION OF
THE RICHMOND MILITARY.
ANight OF Excitement-Property Burned
General wickhsm Speaks Peaceful
Settlement Probable.
Especial telegram to the Dispstch.l

Especial telegram TO the Dispatch.l
Correspondence ofthe Richmond D.sps.chI
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. Jan. ~, 1886.
Things have military appearance here
to-day sentinels pacing to and fro on their
beats, officers sending ordeElies around,
and flash OF bayonets In all directions
near the piers. There was an exciting
time during the night. After the 5:4j
train leit for Hampton the doors OF Pier 2
were closed, and the new men OF the Old
Dominion steamship Guyandotte began un-
loading freight from that steamer. just
before O'Clock there was a knock at the
pier door, and sdmittance demanded. 1t
was refused, and as there were some twenty
clerks, &C., In the building, who made
their appearance, the strikers retreated,
presumably for reinforcements.
SOON RETURNED.
In short while they returned with
clubs, &C., and, breaking open the door,
proceeded 10 where the steamship Guyan-
dotte was discbarging her cargo. At their
approach all the colored freight-handlers
hed TO the steamer. The strikers pulled
the gang-planks from the steamer, and
Captain Kelley, fearing damage TO his ship,
slipped lines and steamed away u West
Point, having discharged very little Of the
load.
ALARM or FIRE.
shortly after this an alarm OF fire was
sounded from the pump-hOuse, and the
hotel bath. houses on the beach, lust In front
Of the Casino, were found to be IN flames
They were completely destroyed. Il Is
also reported that an effort was made 10
burn another house. but without success.
After tins the strikers circled around,
shouting and occasionally firing pistols.
THE MILITARY ARRIVE.
At 4 A. NJ. to-day the three companies
from Richmond arrived. under command
OF General Anderson, and were at once
placed on guard. About this lime the train
arrived with the men on board TO take the
strikers places. About 10 O'Clock work
was commenced on the different piers by
the new men. The State Guard (colored),
Captain Paul, guarded the approaches to
the coal pier, while Companies a and b.,
Captains Spence and Jones, guarded the
other piers. At Z. VI. all was quiet.
GENERAL wICKHAM SPEAKS.
General Wickham made a short speech
to the group Of strikers near the elevator
lust after the midday train came in with
the remaining members Of Company B.
lie told the strikers there would be no adj
vance in pay; that all would be paid what
was due them tonight; and that they must
leave the premises at once.
The Knights OF Labor claim that the fire
last night was the work Of the railroad
officials, so that an excuse could be had for
calling for the military.
Judge Peek aud Sheriff Curtis, OF this
county General Wickham and Mr.. Henry
Wickham, as wtllas many other prominent
officials, are here to-day.
VERY POSITIVE.
General Wickham in his address TO the
strikers was very positive. In reply 10 the
statement that they would 20 to work II
three men said so he declared that there
were no three men in the United States
who could put men to work on the pier
without his consent. lie appealed to the
manhood Of the strikers not to allow three
men to influence them to starye themselves
and their wives and children.
ARBITRATION.
The knights OF Labor Assembly was In
session to-uay, and committee Of arbitra-
tion was appointed. AZ midnight the in
dicalloEs are that the strikers will return to
work at their old wages. At late hour
ovcrtures were being made TO General
Wickham looking to that end. 4 final
meeting will be held m the morning, when
il Is expected that the whole matter will be
amicably adjusted. The steamship Guy
andOtte returned here last evening from
West Point with a complement Of
men sufficient to discharge and take on her
cargo. AT this hour not a striker Is to be
seen on the streets, and all is quiet. The
military are guarding the cOmpany's pro-
perty, and are in good spirits. The mill.
tary are quartered on the steamer ROmer.
There was some little demonstration on
the part Oi the negroes when Captain Plurs
company went on duty, but the dock was
promptly cleared.
General Wickham also told the strikers
that they had acted gnidstly towards the
Chesapeake and Ohio road because they
were at variance with another company,
and that they knew it was ithOut q cause.
The mayor ordered all the bar.To)ms To
be closed to-day. The fact that colOred
troops were sent TO the scene created the
greatest surprise.